7. Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what contacts have taken place in the last month between officials of his Department and those of the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. PriorThere have been a number of routine contacts between my officials and their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland on a wide range of practical day-to-day issues of common concern.
Mr. PowellDo any of the Secretary of State's officials have authority to discuss with the officials of the Republic the Anglo-Irish dimension and the establishment of an Anglo-Irish parliamentary tier?
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyWhen will the Secretary of State put pressure on the new Government in the Republic about the vexed position of extradition? The European Parliament has now decided that those participating should sign the convention on terrorism, and the Republic is the odd man out. Can the Secretary of State put pressure on the Government of the Republic to do something about that?
§ Mr. PriorI have noted the hon. Gentleman's remarks. We had better get the fresh Government first.
§ Mr. SoleyAfter yesterday's election in the Republic, will the Secretary of State take the opportunity to approach the new Government to discuss the possibility of an all-Irish dimension to the Assembly? Ultimately, that is the only way that we shall make it work.
§ Mr. PriorIn due course we shall have to discuss all matters with the House, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the new Government of the South.